SEC’s Hester Peirce Says Crypto Self-Custody Is a Fundamental Right

December 1, 2025
SEC’s Hester Peirce Says Crypto Self-Custody Is a Fundamental Right

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Hester Peirce, who leads the agency’s Crypto Task Force, emphasized that individuals have a fundamental right to retain control over their crypto holdings and financial privacy through self-custody.

Key Points

  • SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce calls crypto self-custody a fundamental human right.
  • Self-custody allows SHIB holders to fully control their assets and protect privacy.
  • Financial privacy should be the default, not a sign of wrongdoing.

In a conversation with The Rollup podcast, Peirce described herself as a “freedom maximalist,” adding that self-custody of assets is a fundamental human right. “Why shouldn’t I have the right to hold my own assets? “Why should I have to be forced to go through someone else to hold my assets?” Peirce stated, clarifying that although not for everyone, there are many people who would rather be in control of their own assets. “It baffles me that in this country, which is so premised on freedom, that would even be an issue. Of course, people can hold their own assets,” the SEC Commissioner added. 

Peirce emphasized that online financial privacy should be the default, stressing that Americans have a right to keep their transactions confidential. She added that while there is a common assumption that seeking privacy implies wrongdoing, the presumption should instead favor an individual’s right to discretion.

Self-custody in crypto refers to the practice of individuals holding and managing their own digital assets directly, without relying on banks or third-party platforms. It gives users full control over their private keys and ensures that only they can access or transfer their funds.

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Self-Custody: Take Control of Your SHIB Tokens

Peirce’s stance spotlights why SHIB holders should prioritize self-custody when managing their crypto holdings. By keeping tokens in private wallets, users maintain full control over their assets, reducing reliance on exchanges or third-party services that could be vulnerable to hacks, outages, or regulatory pressures.

This approach aligns with the broader ethos of decentralization, empowering individuals to make financial decisions independently while safeguarding personal information. For SHIB investors, practicing self-custody not only enhances security but also supports privacy, ensuring transactions are fully under the user’s control.

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Peirce’s comments serve as a reminder that protecting your tokens starts with taking responsibility for their storage, reinforcing the idea that true ownership comes with both autonomy and accountability.

MICHAELA

MICHAELA

Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.


Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Daily is the official publication of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.